IRAN

'We expressed concern over the non-response by the agreement concluded by Brazil, Turkey and Iran as a gateway opened to reach a solution. The door is still open despite all the complexities that ensued following the rejection of the agreement.''

From H.E.'s Press Conference in Spain, (July 5, 2010)

''Iran has proved its goodwill and restored international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, while Israel still boasts of its nuclear arsenal, threatening peace and security in the region.''

From H.E.'s Statements in Brazil (June 30, 2010)

''We don't need any war. Whoever starts that war? This is first. Second, I don't believe that Iran wants war. We have alliance: it means we have dialogue; it means we know each other. So you don't have alliance with somebody that you don't know about his intentions. We know about the intentions. They have the same intentions. When we started the peace negotiations in Turkey; they supported these negotiations. They were not against it. So, they support peace; they don't support war. ''

 From H.E.'S BBC Interview (June 17, 2010)

''Iran is one of the big countries in the Middle East, and it’s an important country, and it plays a role and affects different issues in the region.  So, if you want to play a role and help yourself and save your interests, you should have good relations with all these influential countries.''

From H.E.'s PBS Interview  (May 28, 2010)

''It’s about Iran having the right to have peaceful nuclear reactor.  You cannot deal with Iran through the Security Council through threats and the evidence that they didn’t understand is the recent agreement between Turkey, Brazil and Iran.  And I told the official that I met recently from Europe after that agreement that this is going to be the proof that they didn’t understand this region because Turkey and Brazil succeeded in getting what the world has been asking for during the last year in a few weeks because they understand this region and they adopted different approach which is direct, not strict, not imposing.''

From H.E.'s PBS Interview  (May 28, 2010)

“I am skeptical about that skepticism. It raises the suspicion that the West is motivated by a different agenda, that it doesn’t want to solve this issue. The region is following these developments with anxiety because the measures that will be imposed on Iran will be imposed on others as well. You see, the future of energy is nuclear, besides the renewable sources. One day, I will have nuclear energy, at least to produce electricity. It is my right, guaranteed by the Non Proliferation Treaty”.

From H.E.'s La Repubblica Interview (May 24, 2010)

“In politics, many things are said. But it is the actions that count. If Iran truly wanted the destruction of Israel, then why did it support our peace negotiations in 2008 with Israel, mediated by Turkey? Actually, the Iranians are more moderate than many want to see”.

From H.E.'s La Repubblica Interview (May 24, 2010)

"We tackled the Iranian nuclear issue. Our views were that all countries have right to possess peaceful nuclear power, and the necessity to free the Middle East from all mass destruction weapons. We stressed that dialogue between Iran and the 6-countries group; because sanctions have no effects. They rather complicate solution instead of easing it,"

From His Excellency's Press Conference with Russian President Medvedev, (May11, 2010)

''We discussed this and I asked President Gul that Turkey continues its important role on the basis of trust that developed between the Turkish and Iranian governments and Turkey's broad relations with world countries, but any political move must be based on a reference which is to be the basis for any initiative or viewpoint.''

 From H.E.'s Press Conference with His Turkish Counterpart, H.E. President Gul, (May 8, 2010)

" I have never heard from any Iranian official during three decades that they are against the achievement of peace or against the return of territories or against the peace process and during the indirect negotiations in Turkey Iran expressed support to Syrian in these negotiations."

 From H.E.'s Press Interview with Al-Manar Satellite TV, (March 24, 2010)

''The signing of the visa-waiver agreement -between Syria and Iran today- is to lead to the more of communication and solidification of joint interests between the Syrian and Iranian People,''

From His Excellency's Press Conference with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, (February 25, 2010)

 

'' a genuine relation between two countries and people starts from individuals, and from the base upwards to the top, and not vice versa. I do think that this agreement would push the relations -between Syria and Iran- and bolster them at all levels, and in every sector, with no exception.''

From His Excellency's Press Conference with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, (February 25, 2010)

''I have been briefed by My Brother, President Ahmadinejad, on the Iranian stance regarding the Iranian Nuclear Issue. I do not say what I would say in light of what I have heard from President Ahmadinejad, but on the basis of what I have heard from Western Officials during the few past weeks and months: we believe ,without any slight doubt, that what is taking place- as far as Iran's nuclear issue- is but a new colonization of the region, a hegemony through forbidding an independent, UN member State and signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, seeking to acquire peaceful nuclear power on the bases of these Treaties, from having its right to enrichment, though of the seen Iranian flexibility during the past two months as far as this issue! The subject is preplanned: it is forbidden for Islamic Countries to possess this technology, or other types of technology; that is to say, we are denied the right to knowledge,''

From His Excellency's Press Conference with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, (February 25, 2010)

Imposing sanctions [on Iran] is a problem because they will not stop the program and they will accelerate it if you are suspicious. They can make problems to the Americans more than the other way around.

If I am Ahmadinejad, I will not give all the uranium because I do not have a guarantee [in response to American and European insistence that most of Iran’s low-enriched uranium be sent abroad for further enrichment to make it usable for a research reactor, but not for a bomb]…. So, the only solution is that they can send you part and you send it back enriched, and then they send another part…. The only advice I can give to Obama: accept this Iranian proposal because this is very good and very realistic.

From His Excellency's ''Direct Quotes'' by the New Yorker, (February 3, 2010)

''For years we have heard that Iran wants the nuclear bomb, in one year, two, or three years. The crisis began in 2003, and six years later we still hear about a level of uranium enrichment of 5% [that Iran is reaching]. For medical enrichment, you need a level of 20%, and for military levels you need more that 90%. How can one believe that there is a military programme? Logically it’s not convincing. I say to Europe not to believe the Americans, that [attitude of Washington] goes back to in fact the Bush Administration.''

From His Excellency's France 2 TV Interview, (November 15, 2009)

''There is no proof whatsoever that Iran is carrying out a military nuclear project. Even from a scientific point of view, the level of enrichment to which Iran has reached is very far from the military level. Furthermore, the Non-Proliferation Treaty guarantees for every State the right to enrichment,''

From His Excellency's Le Figaro Interview, (November 13, 2009)

''The good relations with neighboring countries supporting the Arab Causes, particularly turkey and Iran would further be a factor of strength helping the Arab Countries as to reach to the Independent Arab Resolution, restore the Arab Rights, and realize stability in the region.''

From His Excellency's Speech at 5th General Conference of the Arab Parties, Damascus Summit, (November 11, 2009)

“Let’s not hurry. Let’s go step by step. Let’s take one step and stop to look at the result, and then take another step. Let us look if two separate small economies or one large economy is better. This is what we want to do. Let’s think of  Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Turkey. We want to create a joint economic region, make joint giant projects. We are calculating how we can connect the Red Sea to Europe and the Mediterranean. The prosperity of those four economies working together is apparent. We are building a joint future.” 

From His Excellency's Interview with the Turkish 'Hurriyet' Daily, (November 8, 2009)

''I do not think that Iran is seeking to possess a nuclear bomb; it does not need that. Iran demands her right to the technology level only. Syria and Turkey are signatories of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); and every country has the right to develop a peaceful nuclear program and to enrich Uranium.''

From His Excellency's Interview with the Turkish 'Hurriyet' Daily, (November 8, 2009)

''Syria's relations with both Iran and Turkey are very good, and so are the relations of Iran and Turkey; the Turkish-Iranian rapprochement has been taking place for years; and we help and support this. These Countries share the conviction that their relations together are important. Turkey's moves as to bolster her relations with the neighbours  are in the interest of Turkey as well as of all Arabs.''

From His Excellency's Press Statements during His Visit to Croatia, (October 28-29, 2009)

''I have voiced our great satisfaction in Syria over the latest dialogue approach as far as the issue of the Iranian nuclear dossier. Dialogue is the sole means for solving the region crises, taking into consideration the legitimate right of states and people to make use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. I reiterated Syria's firm stance as far as the freeing of the Middle East region from Mass Destruction Weapons.''

From His Excellency's Press Conference with the Croatian President, (October 28, 2009)

''If Iran is attacked, the region will enter a very critical phase that will last for several decades. The region will not be able to emerge from this situation for many years. Not only will the attack prevent stability in the Middle East, it will also impose a heavy cost on the region as well as the entire world.''

From His Excellency's Interview with the Turkish Zaman Paper, (September 15, 2009) 

''The important question here is who will Iran target with these weapons. Will it use these weapons against Turkey? I don't think so. Will it use them against Israel? I don't think that's likely, either, because there are many Arabs living in Israel and its surroundings. Nuclear arms are owned not for use but to benefit from their deterring effect. Take Pakistan and India; they became more peaceful after becoming nuclear powers. Besides, I don't think Iran is after nuclear weapons. But we are against nuclear weapons regardless of what country is pursuing them. We introduced a resolution on this issue at the UN Security Council.''

From His Excellency's Interview with the Turkish Zaman Paper, (September 15, 2009)

“The Syrian is stance is firm as far as the Iranian nuclear file; our stance is very well-known as far as any country in this world as to possess the peaceful nuclear power; this very right is guaranteed by related international conventions. As for the casting of doubts over presence of military program, those who present such a presentation have only, for the sake of credibility, to show what they have done regarding the military nuclear program in implementation for decades in Israel; then their such a speech would have credibility, and their doubts would have some credibility,”

From His Excellency’s Statements in a Joint Press Conference with His Iranian Counterpart, (May 5, 2009)

“The relations between Syria and Iran are natural and are never to be an axis, like some like to hint; this very natural relation is not only linked to the relation between Syria and Iran, but with any group of neighboring countries; Syria’s relations with other countries present in the region, and Iran’s relations with all the countries present in our region. Such a kind of relations is in the interest of these countries, in the interest of stability, and in the interest of this region searched-for power. Consequently, it is our duty as countries to seek the reinforcement of this kind of relations,”

From His Excellency’s Statements in a Joint Press Conference with His Iranian Counterpart, (May 5, 2009)

“The Syrian vision for the relations with Iran has been based on the principles as well as interests. It is natural to have good relations; we belong to the same region, nation, with many common things. If we view the issues of past decades, the interests of Syria and Iran have been one, based on a far-sighted vision between them; a clear vision based on the walking forward; we have never dealt much with pressures, though we have taken them seriously, the pressures, however, have not prevented us from walking to our set-forth and clear objective,”

 From His Excellency’s Statements in a Joint Press Conference with His Iranian Counterpart, (May 5, 2009)

“Iran is a very important country; a solution for the Iranian nuclear file has to be found on the basis of Iran’s right to possess a peaceful nuclear energy,”

From His Excellency’s Statements during Austria visit, (April 28, 2009)

“If you ask them about the relation between peace and Iran, some of them say unrealistic things like claiming that Iran will not be happy with the peace. We said that is not true because when we started the negotiations in May, Iran publically supported the Syrian efforts and they did not go against it. That is their only excuse, which is not true. Iran supports Syria in our efforts to achieve peace.”

From His Excellency’s Interview with the Austrian Der Standard, (April, 18, 2009)

“We have good relations with Iran. We are not looking for a role to play. We have enough problems and we are playing our roles. We are discussing with the Iranians different topics that are of mutual concern to us. But that also depends on the subject and the approach. During the previous Administration, for instance, it was difficult to achieve something realistic regarding, for example, the nuclear issue. Because the approach was not realistic and Iran said we are not going to go against our interest, and I am convinced about this. I am not in the middle, anyway. “

From His Excellency’s Interview with the Austrian Der Standard, (April, 18, 2009)

“Now, if we say Iran has the right, like what we heard few days ago from Obama, to have their peaceful nuclear program, this is the key. At the moment, the doors are open for anyone to help be it Syria, Europe, or the United States itself. Therefore, that depends on the approach. Nobody asked me to help and I think we should not wait any longer because we have the key but, then, what is the plan? Because we had the European proposal during the previous Administration and the proposal was about Iran stopping its program. This is against their right because everyone has the right, legally, to have enrichment. There is no law or agreement in the world that states they have no right to that. So, how can you propose something against your right? Nobody will accept it. I will not accept it if it was against my right and the same applies to Iran. Now, we have to have a different proposal according to their right and according to the NPT right because this right is included in the NPT.”

From His Excellency’s Interview with the Austrian Der Standard, (April, 18, 2009)

“Our relations with Iran are strategic ones; Iran stands with us, whereas our relations with the USA are not strategic, and the USA does not stand with us, it stands with Israel. Thus, the word mediator as to stand in the middle can never be imagined.”

 From His Excellency Assafir Daily Interview, (March 25, 2009)

"Iran is an important country, like it or not.” ” ... with Iran, I'm ready to mediate."

 From His Excellency La Repubblica Interview, (March 18, 2009)

"If instead we're talking about facilitating dialogue with Tehran, a concrete proposal is needed to give to that government. Until now, I've only received an invitation to play a role. Agreed, but that's not enough,"

 From His Excellency La Repubblica Interview, (March 18, 2009)

"What's lacking is a plan, rules and specific mechanisms to put forward to Tehran."

 From His Excellency La Repubblica Interview, (March 18, 2009)

"As a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, (Iran) has the right to have peaceful reactors,"

 From His Excellency the Japanese Asahi Shimbun Newspaper Interview, (March 12, 2009)

"In Iran there is unity about the main national issues. Forget about the rhetoric.”

From His Excellency Interview with the Guardian, (February 17, 2009)

"I would say to Obama and the Europeans: 'Don't waste your time on this. Go and make dialogue.' The only way is to go for direct engagement."

From His Excellency Interview with the Guardian, (February 17, 2009)

“Iran is a friend country, a neighbor, and a very important country in the region.”

From His Excellency Al-Manar TV Interview, (January 26, 2009)

“The Syrian relations with Iran  are firm and continuously improving; they are strategic relations, which have proved their efficiency and importance in all of the issues which our region has been passing through since the Revolution in Iran in 1979. They are not transitory relations; Iran has a civilization of thousands of years, as we do have. We have no option but to be in a stable and enduring relation,”

From His Excellency Al-Manar TV Interview, (January 26, 2009)

“I don't believe that Iran is seeking to develop the bomb. Syria is fundamentally opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We want a nuclear-free Middle East, Israel included.”

From His Excellency Der Spiegel Interview, (January 19, 2009)

“The Americans are stoking these fears with their information policy. Washington is interested in the embargo, with which it hopes to weaken Iran.”

From His Excellency Der Spiegel Interview, (January 19, 2009)

“Regarding our relations with Iran, it is an important country, but our relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in no way signify that we conduct our relations with it at the expense of Arab states. We have not exchanged Arab states for Iran, and we don’t consider it in this light. Our relations with Turkey are very strong, and this helps stability in the region, not the reverse. What is the benefit for Arab states of a negative relationship with Turkey over eight decades? We have all lost out. When relations are better there is gain for everybody. The same applies to Iran. We should establish excellent relations with all neighboring countries. We Arabs do not dialogue much. Relations can be good at the level of the summit, but not on other levels. We in Syria have no barriers in our relations with Arab states. We are open to all initiatives. I was in touch with President Hosni Mubarak some weeks ago to present my condolences following the landslide accident in which there were victims. Let’s be frank: relations, which are supposed to be good, do not now exist with Egypt as they should. We have no problems with them.”

 From His Excellency Monday Morning Interview, (September 30, 2008)

“The Syrian Iranian relations are very strong and solid. The strategic relations binding Syria and Iran have not been created through the agreement following the Iranian Revolution between President Hafez Al-Assad- may his soul rest in peace- and Imam Khomeini; these relations have been established as a result for objective things and in accumulations for these relations leading to the establishment of the standing strategic relation between both countries. The Revolution in Iran announced at the outset its stand by the Palestinian Cause, contrary to the Iranian previous stance, which had strong relations with Israel; a stance perhaps closer to the Israelis more than to the Arabs, the natural neighbors for Iran,”

From His Excellency Interview given to the Iranian TV  (September 17, 2008)

“Iran has always supported the Palestinian Cause, Arab Right, and the Syrian Rights; has stood against the Israeli aggressions against the Palestinians, Lebanese and against the Syrians,”

From His Excellency Interview given to the Iranian TV  (September 17, 2008)

“We do not belong to those states which build temporary, transitional or circumstantial relations. We do have our principles, and interests; thus the factors binding Syria and Iran are increased and more solid day by day,”

From His Excellency Interview given to the Iranian TV  (September 17, 2008)

 “We have talked of the issue of the Iranian nuclear topic; our viewpoint has ever been the solution through peaceful means,”

 From His Excellency Statements at the Quartet Damascus Summit  (September 4, 2008)

“Iran has the right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful purpose; and Iran has never opted out from the International accords in this regard. We have never witnessed any Iranian military activity to this effect”

From His Excellency Statements in France  (July12-14, 2008) 

"Iran is a regional neighbor, and if we disagree with it, we should start a dialogue. What Syria is doing is helping this dialogue,"

From His Excellency Statements during His U A E Visit (June 3^rd, 2008)

“Iran now is a big and important State, whether we like it or not. Iran is a State present in the region and not a newly-born one; it has a civilization, close to the Arab civilization as far as  depth in this region; it has periods of conflicts and accord; but at the same time the Iranians have been standing with us in the Islamic State and etc. They are part of this texture. It is impossible to have a country like Iran as an enemy with which our interests differ and to have Israel as not the enemy. It is impossible to have Iran as the problem in Iraq , while the United States is the solution in Iraq.”

From His Excellency Interview given to the Qatari ‘Al-Wtan’ Daily  (April 27^th 2008)

"The US may take a fool action, if we were to think logically. Such an action is to be harmful for the region and the world. We have to remain ever alert for any reckless action by the US, or by Israel against Iran , Syria, Lebanon, or against any other state….The problem for the world will be far more bigger than that of the Iraqi invasion considering the strategic position of Iran and its power. The situation would be very difficult for the US, its consequences would cover all the world in general. If the war were to begin, how is it to conclude; nobody knows! But we will be the first to pay the price: the Arab countries, especially the Arab Gulf region which is to pay a very high price for such an action…. We are all targeted, no country in the Arab World is not to be the price for the explosion to happen."

From H. E. ’s Al Shirouq Daily Interview  ( October 11, 2007

“The far-sighted vision of the Syrian-Iranian policy have proved more than ever its correctness. The climate of satisfaction, optimism, and confidence is the common denominator characterizing all of the discussed issues,  imposed by the persistent conspiracies against the Middle East,”

 From H. E. Statements in a joint press conference with the visiting  Iranian counterpart, (July, 19, 2007)

"Iran is an important state in the region and its role is necessary for the region's security, in integration with the Arab role and not as an alternative,"

From HE’s Al Hayat Newspaper Interview, (June 26, 2006)

"I frankly said that some are talking negatively about an Iranian role…The only solution is through creating an effective Arab role, so let us, on the Arab level, move in the Iraqi direction because it poses the main axis for talking about the Iranian role."

From HE’s Al Hayat Newspaper Interview, (June 26, 2006)